April 1, 2009
Flood Media Bulletin #8
Flood Forecast
· There is no substantial change to the flood forecast today. The effects of the snowfall in southern Manitoba and North Dakota will be fully assessed as soon as the snow ends and an updated forecast will then be completed.
· Ice on the Red River and streams in southern Manitoba is unlikely to start moving until the weekend and may not move until the middle of next week. The risk of ice jams remains relatively high as flows increase on the Red at Emerson and encounter firm ice at points further north. It is impossible to predict these ice jams. Serious ice jams could occur but are rather uncommon in the portion of the river from Emerson through Winnipeg. The risk of an ice jam in Winnipeg is somewhat higher than south of the city due the number of bridges in close proximity.
· Predicted crests from Selkirk to Breezy Point remain unchanged due to the relatively high probability that ice jams will determine crest elevations in this portion. Ice jams frequently occur in this portion due to the lesser slope of the river as it nears Lake Winnipeg.
· Levels of the Red River rose about 0.3 metres (1.1 feet) at Emerson, 15.2 centimetres (0.5 ft.) at Morris and 7.6 cm (a quarter foot) at Selkirk during the 24-hour period ending this morning. The level at Lockport declined 12 cm (0.4 ft.) as the ice jam near Lower Fort Garry has become smaller.
· The Red River in downtown Winnipeg stood at 5.18 m (17.32) feet this morning, a rise of only 9 millimetres (0.03 ft.) since yesterday morning. The small rise is due to reduced flows on the Assiniboine River resulting from operation of the Portage Diversion. The level at the floodway inlet rose slightly to 229.39 m (752.6 ft.) with about 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) flowing naturally into the floodway channel and a total of 30,100 cfs in the river just upstream of the channel. River flows have been adjusted downward slightly based on a flow measurement at the Chief Peguis Bridge in Winnipeg yesterday.
· Operation of the Red River Floodway does not normally begin until ice is moving freely in the area of the floodway control structure. Movement of ice in the area is unlikely until this weekend or the middle of next week.
· The amount of water in the Assiniboine River being redirected into Lake Manitoba by the Portage Diversion has been increased again to help lower levels along the river including into Winnipeg. Water flowing out of the Shellmouth Reservoir into the Assiniboine has also been reduced.
Flood Response
· A third flood liaison office will open tomorrow in Brandon. Citizens can call 204-729-1220 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. The two other flood liaison offices are in Winnipeg (204-945-2354) and Morris (204-746-7325).
· Staff from Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation are assisting the RM of St. Clements to survey land so residents know what level of flood protection is required to safeguard their property.
· Flood-fighting efforts have slowed in some areas as crews clear snow from the roads. As soon as possible after the roads are cleared, 22 steamers will resume working to thaw provincial road culverts and drains.
· Two ice cutters working near the bridge on PTH 4 went through the ice as they were coming off the river to move to a new location. Both operators are safe and the units are designed to float. Also, operators wear special safety equipment to help deal with this kind of situation. The units were recovered from the river and are expected to be back in service soon.
· The Amphibex icebreakers are continuing efforts to prevent ice jams on the Red River and are working just north of Sugar Island in the Selkirk area.
· Work continues to prepare to build a dike at Melita along PTH 3. Additional sandbags are being delivered to add to super sandbags already provided.
Evacuations
· The Manitoba Association of Native Fire Fighters, in consultation with Roseau River First Nation residents, are beginning a partial return of evacuees to their homes. Residents with chronic health issues, young mothers and newborns are expected to remain in Winnipeg at this time. The association is co-ordinating this return process.
· There remains a partial evacuation of 18 homes on the Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation to the nearby community of Virden. Local road access on the First Nation has been threatened by rising creek levels. At this time, no homes have been flooded.
Road Conditions
· Before travelling in flood-affected areas please check www.manitoba.ca/mit/roadinfo/index.html or call 204-945-3704 or 1-877-627-6237. Information about conditions in North Dakota can be found at www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/nd.htm or by calling 1-866-696-3511.
· Motorists in all areas of southern Manitoba are advised to be aware of increased heavy truck traffic, special equipment and work crews on highways and roads. It is critical drivers slow down when passing work crews.
· Spring road restrictions are in effect on Manitoba highways and weight limits are enforced in non-flooding areas. However, vehicles hauling equipment or materials for flood emergencies may carry Level 1 loads on Level 2 restricted highways without a permit, provided they use the shortest possible Level 2 restricted route to their destination. Vehicles exceeding Level 1 road restrictions require a permit and can contact Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 204-945-3961 or toll-free at 1-877-812-0009 and Saturday and Sunday April 4 and 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Flood information, the latest road information for Manitoba and a link for North Dakota highway conditions are also available at www.gov.mb.ca.
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